Dillon Brooks pokes at Lillard's injured Achilles, igniting feud

Dillon Brooks literally — and physically — went there.

The known NBA antagonist appeared to stick his foot near the back of Damian Lillard’s left Achilles.

That is the same Achilles Lillard tore in the 2025 playoffs.

That injury sidelined Lillard for the entire 2025-26 season.

The confrontation happened during the Trail Blazers’ 132-119 home win over the Suns on Wednesday.

Lillard got right in Brooks’ face and voiced his apparent displeasure.

A referee had to break up the mini fracas.

The scene unfolded in the third quarter.

Brooks stepped out of bounds with the ball while being guarded by Lillard.

He hoisted a jumper that did not count.

Lillard stuck his hand up despite the whistle.

Brooks came down with his right leg extended.

It appeared his foot struck the lower part of Lillard’s left leg.

That caused Lillard to immediately turn around and start jawing at Brooks.

This season marks Lillard’s return after a devastating injury.

He tore his left Achilles while with the Bucks during the 2025 playoffs.

That injury ended a disappointing tenure with the team.

The Bucks chose to move on from Lillard that offseason.

They made that decision in one final attempt to build another championship contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Lillard, now 36, returned to the Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal.

He did not suit up for the team last year while rehabbing.

He is no longer the elite player of his earlier 11-year Trail Blazers tenure from 2012-23.

But the guard is averaging 20.1 points across 29.7 minutes per game spanning seven contests.

His production has helped Portland to a surprising 6-1 start.

Lillard tied his season-high with 25 points Wednesday.

For Brooks, this is yet another chapter that only adds to his reputation.

He is known as one of the NBA’s chief antagonizers.

This incident offers more ammunition to those who consider him a dirty player.

Brooks tallied 10 points but a minus-29 rating in the setback.

The incident has drawn comparisons to other controversial moments in Brooks’ career.

He has a history of on-court confrontations and aggressive play.

This is not the first time Brooks has been at the center of a heated exchange.

Earlier in the same week, Brooks was involved in another altercation.

That one was with Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green.

Green was ejected from that game after throwing Suns center Khaman Maluach to the ground.

Green later defended his actions on his podcast.

“As a big man and center in this league, if something like that happens, you lose your powers,” Green explained.

“I guy will try you over and over again.”

Green also called out Brooks directly.

“You supposed to be this tough guy,” Green said.

“I don’t claim to be a tough guy, I just am who I am.”

“You can’t come to a man like you’re coming and saying the things you’re saying and putting your shoulder into his chest.”

The NBA has not announced any disciplinary action regarding the Lillard-Brooks incident as of this writing.

League policy allows the league office to review plays and issue fines or suspensions for conduct deemed unsportsmanlike or dangerous.

Given the history between the players and the nature of the injury involved, the league may decide to take a closer look at the footage.

Lillard’s reaction suggests he believed the contact was intentional.

Players who have suffered Achilles injuries often report heightened sensitivity about the area.

The recovery process is long and mentally taxing.

Many players never return to their previous level after such an injury.

Lillard has shown resilience in his comeback.

But moments like this one test that resilience in real time.

The Trail Blazers continue their season with momentum.

Portland’s 6-1 start has surprised many analysts.

The team was not expected to contend this season.